Staff Nurse (RN)- Behavioral Health Unit

Summary: This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by being a competent, respectful, and compassionate professional who is able to safely, appropriately, accurately, efficiently and independently follow Mercy's standards along with policies and procedures while caring for patients. The Registered Staff Nurse works with the unit specific team members to identify clinical problems, develop a plan, and educate patients and families.

Job duties: Ensures that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome. Demonstrates competent assessment, planning, intervention, coordination and evaluation skills based on the individual patient plan of care. Continually assesses patient and family needs in order to provide quality care based on a patient centered care model. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and judgment necessary to implement a patient plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures. Maintains accurate and real time documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team, according to hospital policy and procedure related to documentation parameters. Functions as a role model for current and new staff by creating a healthy work environment to facilitate the department's or unit's ability to meet identified goals and objectives. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitor and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment. Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel in the provision of care to patients as assigned. Demonstrates effective and age-appropriate communication as well as the ability to understand the needs of the patient including non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties and language/cultural barriers. Responds within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions. Adheres to and promotes patient safety practices throughout the patient experience. Communicates and collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team. Provides ongoing education to patients and families. Delegates to other staff registered nurse, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, unit secretaries, and other staff positions specific to the department. Remains current on Evidence-based practice as well as appropriate Protocols and Procedures. Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries. Department specific duties: Behavioral Health (for assigned position within the Healing Center) Assesses and reassesses Suicide Risk, per policy, utilizing the tools provided and adapts the plan of care with appropriate interventions based upon assessment. De-escalates patients in crisis to prevent acts of aggression towards self and others. Conducts psycho educational groups as needed and/or educates one to one on diagnosis, symptom management, medication, wellness, and positive coping skills. Monitors for withdrawal from alcohol and other substances and follows protocols and utilizes appropriate interventions based upon assessment.

Behavioral Health: Experience in mental health and/or chemical dependency is preferred. Pay rate type: Hourly. Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years. Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.